CAMBRIDGE – For a backup quarterback, Ryan Mallett’s name has been in the news quite a bit this offseason.

Mark Daniels Journal Sports Writer MarkDanielsPJ

CAMBRIDGE – For a backup quarterback, Ryan Mallett’s name has been in the news quite a bit this offseason.

In the day leading up to the draft, Mallett was rumored to be heading to the Houston Texans. The speculation that the Patriots would move the 25-year-old was only heightened the next day when the team drafted Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round.

Mallett, who was supporting Tom Brady’s Best Buddies Challenge in Cambridge at Harvard Stadium, said despite all the rumors, this offseason has been routine.

“It’s been easy for me,” Mallett said. “I’ve been working out trying to get better every day. I mean, it hasn’t been any different for me than any other offseason.”

Last week, Brady said that he wasn’t surprised when the Patriots drafted another quarterback. It certainly made sense considering Mallett is set to become a free agent in 2015. Mallett echoed Brady’s sentiments and said he wasn’t surprised when the Pats called Garoppolo’s name.

“No, not at all,” Mallett said. “I mean, we’re always going to make our team better. There’s always competition on that team and we know that. That’s not a big deal.”

Mallett has played behind Brady since the 2011 season. He said he hasn’t changed anything as he heads into the final season on his contract and that his mentality has always been “to get better every day” and when his number is called, to “be ready.”

If he’s still with the Patriots by August, his number will surely be called during the preseason. It’s up to him to show the other 31 NFL teams that he’s ready to be a starting quarterback.

“I feel good,” Mallett said. “I’m in pretty good shape. We’re getting better every day and you know, it’s all we can do right now.”

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